Composition for protecting skin from damaging effects of ultraviolet light

ABSTRACT

A topical antioxidant composition for the protection of skin from damage caused by ultraviolet radiation. The composition includes a first component (such as beta glucan) that increases cellular viability of epidermal cells, and a second component that decreases the production of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandins in those cells. In a particular embodiment, the composition includes beta glucan in combination with panthenol, grape seed extract, vitamin C and superoxide dismutase, which exhibit a synergistic effect in protecting the skin from the adverse effects of ultraviolet radiation. In another embodiment, the composition further includes Vitamin A and Vitamin E. The antioxidant compositions are incorporated into sunscreen products, soap, moisturizing lotions, skin toners, and other skin care products.

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 08/998,238 filed Dec. 24,1997.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention concerns a topical antioxidant composition for theprotection and treatment of human skin, particularly skin that isexposed to harmful ultraviolet radiation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths of sunlight can cause sunburn(erythema) and blistering (edema). Exposure to ultraviolet light canalso cause the skin to feel dry and taut in moderate doses, and to peelif exposed to higher doses. These acute, or short term, effects arereadily perceptible. However, there are also more subtle acute effectsthat are not as readily discernable, such as photo-immunosuppression,cross-linking of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), formation of sunburncells, and loss of Langerhans cells. Even more serious long term effectscan occur, such as skin cancer and premature aging of the skin.

Human skin can be protected from some of these environmental effects.Moisturizers can readily reverse the appearance of dryness regardless ofwhether it results from low humidity conditions or UV light, and relievethe tautness of the skin caused by UV light exposure. These productseither attract moisture from the environment to the skin's surface, orreduce the amount of moisture in the skin that can escape into theenvironment. These products also add needed moisture to the skin fromthe formulation itself, and add a layer of emollients on the skinsurface to leave it softer and more supple.

Sunscreen products are known to protect the skin from some of theharmful effects of ultraviolet light exposure. These products containmolecules that absorb the harmful wavelengths of ultraviolet lightbefore they can reach the skin. The absorbed light is converted to heatand rapidly dissipated to the skin and environment, which allows thesemolecules to revert to a lower energy state, and subsequently absorbanother photon of light. In this manner, sunscreen agents can absorbnumerous photons of ultraviolet light in a relatively short period oftime. By absorbing the harmful wavelengths of light, sunscreen productsprevent many of the acute and chronic effects caused by ultravioletlight.

However, sunscreen products are not perfect in their mode of action.There is no single sunscreen agent that is capable of absorbing all ofthe harmful wavelengths striking the skin. Higher Sun Protection Factor(SPF) formulations address this problem by including a combination ofsunscreen agents in the formulation. However, even when using acombination of sunscreen agents, these products do not provide completeprotection, particularly from the longer ultraviolet wavelengths.Although these longer wavelengths do not readily elicit many of theacute damaging effects commonly attributed to ultraviolet lightexposure, recent research indicates that these wavelengths can createfree radicals in the skin. These free radicals may be responsible forthe premature aging of the skin commonly linked to ultraviolet lightexposure.

According to the free radical theory of premature aging of the skin,ultraviolet light can produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) that damagethe skin. ROS are a collection of reactive free radicals produced fromthe oxygen molecule, and include singlet oxygen, the superoxide radical,hydrogen peroxide, and the hydroxyl radical, as well as the reactionproducts produced by these free radicals. Due to their reactivity, ROSrelatively indiscriminately react with other molecules, and generate acascade of harmful free radical reactions in the skin.

The skin possesses defense mechanisms against the generation of ROS.These defenses include the presence of enzymes such as superoxidedismutase, catalase, glutathione transferase, glutathione peroxidase andglutathione reductase, as well as antioxidants such as tocopherols,ubiquinone, ubiquinol, ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid.Unfortunately, ultraviolet light entering the skin can easily overwhelmthese defense systems, such that the amount of superoxide dismutase andglutathione transferase in the skin declines significantly uponirradiation with solar simulated ultraviolet light. Simultaneous withthe loss of these reducing enzymes, there is a dramatic increase inconjugated double bonds formed in the skin from the linoleates presentin cell membranes. There is also an increase in thiobarbituric acidreactive substances present in the skin, which represent a collection ofmolecules that are formed from ROS.

Prostaglandins are a mediator of inflammation that is believed to beproduced by skin damage, and ROS may create conditions that promote theformation of prostaglandins and sunburn cells. These mediators ofinflammation are formed from arachidonic acid upon oxidation via thelipoxygenase pathway. Although this oxidation is normally enzymaticallycontrolled, the increase in prostaglandins in skin after ultravioletirradiation may also be a result of the generation of ROS. Additionally,there are other messenger systems in skin cells that could increase theamount of prostaglandins that are activated by reactions involving ROS.

Sunburn cells are prematurely dead keratinocytes that are produced inskin as a result of ultraviolet light exposure. The contribution of ROSto the formation of sunburn cells has not been adequately researched.However, given the fact that ROS produce negative effects upon moleculesin the cell membranes as well as in proteins including enzymes thatcontrol most cellular activity, it has been suggested that ROS couldplay a potentially important role in the formation of sunburn cells.

Since sunscreens are unable to completely protect the skin against theadverse effects of ultraviolet radiation, alternative modes ofprotection have been proposed. Vitamins, such as Vitamin E acetate, havebeen shown to make the skin softer and smoother after topicalapplication, which can offset some of the damaging effects of the sun.Vitamin A palmitate has been shown to create smoother skin and helpenhance the process of cellular turnover. This enhancement rids the skinof the outermost dead layer of skin by bringing more youthful appearingskin cells to the surface. Other materials, such as hyaluronic acid andpyrrolidone carboxylic acid (PCA), have also been used for their abilityto enhance the moisture binding capacity of the skin and therefore leadto smoother, softer skin.

Compositions that incorporate Vitamins A or E, or their derivatives, insunscreen compositions, are shown in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,454,112;5,532,805; and 5,378,461. The use of Vitamin C in combination withVitamins A, E, B and other agents in a skin protectant composition, isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,960. An antioxidant preparation that issaid to protect the skin against harmful ultraviolet radiation isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,607,921, and contains Vitamin C, incombination with Vitamins A and E, and monosaccharide or amideprecursors. Sunscreen compositions containing panthenol and other agentsare disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. RE 33,845; 5,505,935; 5,445,823; and5,573,754. The antioxidant effect of superoxide dismutase whenexternally applied to the skin to protect against the effects ofultraviolet radiation is also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,601,806.

In spite of advances in recent years in the protection of skin fromharmful ultraviolet radiation, the epidemic of skin cancer and skindamage from the effects of this radiation has continued unabated. Theloss of portions of the ozone layer from environmental pollution isbelieved to have contributed to an increase in ambient ultravioletradiation that reaches exposed skin. Many skin protection preparationsthat could prevent sun damage have an unacceptable odor or texture thatdiscourages their more frequent use, and many of the available skinprotectants do not sufficiently protect the skin from these manymechanisms of injury. Hence there is a significant public health needfor commercially acceptable or improved preparations that can betopically applied to human and animal skin, to offset the harmfuleffects of ultraviolet radiation.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a therapeutic orcosmetic composition containing new antioxidants, or agents that reducesun induced skin damage and inflammation by aborting the production ofprostaglandins in the skin.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a compositionhaving a superior therapeutic or cosmetic effect.

Yet another object is to provide such compositions that havecharacteristics that will encourage their use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The foregoing objects are achieved by the present invention, which is acomposition and method for inhibiting skin damage induced by ultravioletradiation, by applying topically to the skin an antioxidant compositionwhich includes beta glucan in a sufficient amount to protect the skinfrom damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. Beta glucan has notpreviously been reported to act as a skin protectant against the harmfuleffects of ultraviolet radiation. In disclosed embodiments, thecomposition further includes panthenol, grape seed extract, Vitamin C,and superoxide dismutase, which act synergistically with the beta glucanto improve cellular viability and reduce the production of inflammatoryprostaglandin PGE₂ in skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Thecomposition can also include Vitamin A (retinol) and Vitamin E(tocopherol), which also act synergistically as an antioxidant in theskin.

In particular embodiments, the composition includes at least 0.005% betaglucan, 0.005% panthenol, 0.00001% grape seed extract, 0.0001% VitaminC, and 0.0001% superoxide dismutase. For example, the composition maycontain 0.005-5.00% beta glucan, 0.005-5.00% panthenol, 0.00001-1.00%grape seed extract, 0.0001-3.00% Vitamin C, and 0.0001-1.0000%superoxide dismutase. The composition may further include at least0.0005% Vitamin A, and at least 0.05% Vitamin E, for example0.0005-0.50% Vitamin A, and 0.05-30.00% Vitamin E. All percentcompositions are given by weight in this specification.

In more specific embodiments, the topical composition includes betaglucan in a sufficient amount to improve cellular viability in the skinwhen applied topically before or after exposure to ultravioletradiation, and at least one other skin protectant that reduces skindamage caused by ultraviolet light. The skin protectant may be selectedfrom the group consisting of one or more of panthenol, grape seedextract, Vitamin C, superoxide dismutase, Vitamin A or Vitamin E in asufficient amount to reduce production of PGE₂, or increase cellularviability, in the skin when applied topically. The Vitamin C may be inthe form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, while the Vitamin A may be inthe form of Vitamin A palmitate, and the Vitamin E may be in the form ofVitamin E acetate.

The composition of the present invention may be provided in an aqueousor non-aqueous solution, suspension or an emulsion (water-in-oil oroil-in-water). The composition may be a skin toner composition, amoisturizing lotion, a sunscreen composition, a skin cleanser, or anyother skin treatment composition. The composition may also be used inmethods of protecting skin against the harmful effects of ultravioletradiation, by applying topically to the skin an amount of thecomposition effective to reduce the production of PGE₂ in the skin, orimprove cellular viability. The composition may be applied before orafter exposure to the sun, but is preferably applied prior to sunexposure, for example immediately before sun exposure.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of theinvention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of a preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Given the known effects of ultraviolet radiation on the skin, theinadequacy of many present skin protectants to interfere with themechanisms of cellular damage, and the reluctance of the public toregularly wear sufficient sunscreen protection to block the damagingeffects of ultraviolet light, there is a need for effective alternativeproducts that provide protection from the harmful effects of ultravioletlight. The present invention achieves these objectives by combiningseveral antioxidants in a consumer acceptable form, which at the sametime very effectively mitigates the damaging effects of sunlight on theskin. Additionally, the combination of antioxidants in the presentcomposition provides unexpectedly superior protection against thedamaging effects of ultraviolet light exposure to that provided by theindividual antioxidants, as shown in the following Examples.

EXAMPLE 1 Cellular Viability Assay

Antioxidant activity for these mixtures of antioxidants was evaluated incell culture using the Epiderm Skin Model (EPI-100) from the MattekCorporation of Ashland, Mass. These cell cultures of neonatal foreskinwere cultured in accordance with the manufacturer's directions, and wereassayed for percent cellular viability by measuring the amount of3-(4,5-dimethylthazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) dyetaken up by the cell cultures. Viable cells take up this dye and convertit to insoluble formazin crystals that resides in the mitochondria ofthe cells until extracted with alcohol. The amount of MTT converted toextractable formazin crystals is directly proportional to the viabilityof the cell culture. MTT is measured spectrophotometrically. Cellsexposed to UV light at a rate of 1.5 Minimal Erythemal Dose (MED) perhour per square centimeter from a solar simulator (filtered to yieldwavelengths in the region of 290-400 nm) in the presence of theantioxidant ingredient or mixtures were used to measure the effect ofantioxidants to protect the cell culture from the generation of freeradicals. The total dose of ultraviolet light was 31.5 mJ/cm².

The controls for this portion of the study were cell cultures withoutadded antioxidants (positive control). All cell cultures were alsocompared to cultures that were not exposed to UV light and did notinclude antioxidant agents or blends in order to determine percentcellular viability (negative control). This latter measurement wasassumed to be equal to 100% viability. Three cell cultures were run foreach antioxidant ingredient, blend or control sample tested. The resultsfor these assays were then averaged.

EXAMPLE 2 PGE₂ Production Assay

The cell cultures were also evaluated for the production ofProstaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) using an assay kit obtained from PerSpectiveDiagnostics of Cambridge, Mass. As with the assay for percent cellularviability, the cell cultures were exposed to a dose of ultraviolet lightat a rate of 1.5 MED per hour per square centimeter from a solarsimulator in the presence of the antioxidant ingredients, blends orcontrols. The total dose of ultraviolet light was 31.5 mJ/cm². Thesecell cultures were then allowed to stand in normal growth media for 24hours. After being allowed to grow for that period of time, the cellcultures were assayed for production of PGE₂ using the assay kit fromPerSpective Diagnostics. The controls for this portion of the study werecell cultures exposed to the same dose of ultraviolet radiation butwithout added antioxidants (positive control). Three cell cultures wererun for each antioxidant ingredient, blend or control sample tested. Theresults for these assays were then averaged. The results of these testsare shown in Tables 1 and 2.

The results shown in Table 1 indicate that all of the antioxidant agentsand blends of these agents exhibit significant protective effect fromultraviolet light induced free radicals as measured by percent cellularviability. This activity must be as a result of the antioxidant effectbecause none of these agents exhibit any significant absorption in thesolar ultraviolet wavelengths (290 to 400 nm) at the concentrationstested. Percent cellular viability after light exposure for blends A, B,and C is found in the data presented in Table 3. Although there are somestatistically significant differences between individual antioxidantingredients, the primary statistical differences are found between theblends of the agents and the individual agents composing the blends. Forexample, Blend B, composed of beta glucan, DL panthenol, grape seedextract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and superoxide dismutase, providesstatistically superior protection to each of its individual componentsother than DL panthenol (data not shown). It might have beenstatistically superior to DL panthenol if the standard deviation of thisantioxidant agent had been smaller. Blend A, composed of Vitamin EAcetate and Vitamin A palmitate, provides statistically superiorprotection when compared to its constituent ingredients at the 90%confidence level.

TABLE 1 Percent Cellular Viability Resulting from UV Light ExposureStatistically Different Average Percent from UV Viability + IrradiationOnly Antioxidant Agent Tested Standard Deviation (Confidence Level)¹Beta Glucan 43.6 ± 2.78 Yes (95%) DL Panthenol 46.3 ± 14.9 Yes (80%)Grape Seed Extract 39.6 ± 0.48 Yes (95%) Magnesium Ascorbyl 45.1 ± 2.34Yes (95%) Phosphate² Superoxide Dismutase 43.0 ± 3.30 Yes (90%) VitaminA Palmitate 42.0 ± 4.98 Yes (95%) Vitamin E Acetate 43.6 ± 2.62 Yes(95%) Blend A³ 58.7 ± 8.56 Yes (95%) Blend B⁴ 51.1 ± 3.87 Yes (95%) UVIrradiation Only⁵ 28.4 ± 5.15 — ¹The level of statistical confidence isbased upon hypothesis testing using a Student t test. ²This a stabilizedform of Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid). ³Blend A is composed of Vitamin Apalmitate and Vitamin E acetate. ⁴Blend B is composed of beta glucan, DLpanthenol, grape seed extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate andsuperoxide dismutase. ⁵This cell culture was exposed to UV light in theabsence of added antioxidant materials.

The data for the assay of the production of PGE₂ are shown in Table 2.These results show that Blends A and B provide statistically significantprotection from ultraviolet light when assayed for PGE₂. Production ofPGE₂ resulting from ultraviolet light exposure for Blends A, B, and C isshown in Table 4. Blend B provides statistically superior protectionfrom the production of PGE₂ when compared to its constituentingredients. This statement is also valid for Blend A. Although not aseffective as Blend A or Blend B, the PGE₂ produced is also noted to beas low with grape seed extract and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate alone.

TABLE 2 Production of PGE₂ Resulting from UV Light ExposureStatistically Different Average PGE₂ from UV Produced + Irradiation OnlyAntioxidant Agent Tested Standard Deviation (Confidence Level)¹ BetaGlucan 14,900 ± 3630 No DL Panthenol 18,300 ± 5700 No Grape Seed Extract13,300 ± 2640 No Magnesium Ascorbyl 15,100 ± 5390 No Phosphate²Superoxide Dismutase   22,900 ± 19,500 No Vitamin A Palmitate 17,400 ±5720 No Vitamin E Acetate 26,000 ± 2750 No Blend A³  7140 ± 538 Yes(85%) Blend B⁴   861 ± 135 Yes (95%) UV Irradiation Only⁵   22,900 ±11,000 — ¹The level of statistical confidence is based upon hypothesistesting using a Student t test. ²This a stabilized form of Vitamin C(Ascorbic Acid). ³Blend A is composed of Vitamin A Palmitate and VitaminE Acetate. ⁴Blend B is composed of Beta Glucan, DL Panthenol, Grape SeedExtract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Superoxide Dismutase. ⁵Thiscell culture was exposed to UV light in the absence of added antioxidantmaterials.

Although many of these ingredients have been used in skin care productspreviously, the combinations are unique. The use of beta glucan tointerfere with the production of an inflammatory mediator (such asPGE₂), or to increase cellular viability following exposure toultraviolet radiation, is also believed to be unique. Furthermore, thefinding that these blends of antioxidant agents exhibit superiorprotection when mixed together is unexpected.

The combination of blends A and B, which is designated as Blend C inTable 3, was shown to provide statistically significant protectionagainst the damaging effects of ultraviolet light using skin cellcultures. A comparison of this blend of antioxidants was found to besimilar to the level of protection afforded by its oil and water solublecomponent blends. Based upon the results shown in Tables 1 and 2, thereis evidence that Blend C provides more protection than its componentingredients. The data obtained from these tests are shown in Tables 3through 6.

As shown in Examples 1 and 2, Blends A and B both provide statisticallysignificant protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light inboth the Percent Cellular Viability and PGE₂ production assays. Asfurther shown in Tables 3 and 4, Blend C (which is composed of theingredients in both Blends A and B) also showed statisticallysignificant protection in these same tests when compared to cellcultures without the addition of the antioxidants.

Regarding the results obtained specifically from the Percent CellularViability assay method as shown in Table 5, Blend A was found to providestatistically better protection than Blend C. Blends A and B were notfound to provide statistically different levels of protection by thismethod nor were Blends B and C found to provide statistically differentlevels of protection from the damaging effects of ultraviolet light. Inthe previous test procedure (see Table 1) the same relationship wasfound for Blends A and B.

The results obtained specifically from the PGE₂ Production assay methodare shown in Table 6, which illustrates that Blend B was found toprovide statistically better protection than Blend A. This is the sameresult found in the previous test (Table 2) where Blend B showedsubstantially greater reduction of PGE₂ production than Blend A. Asshown in Tables 4 and 6, Blend C was found to provide statisticallybetter protection than Blend A. However, Blend B was also found toprovide statistically better protection than Blend C by this assay forPGE₂ production.

The fact that Blend A exhibits the best protection in the PercentCellular Viability assay while Blend B exhibits the best protection inthe PGE₂ Production assay may seem inconsistent. However, these twoassays methods are different. The Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS)generated by ultraviolet light and that give rise to the damage detectedby each assay method probably occurs from different biological pathways,thereby leading to different results. This explains why the watersoluble antioxidants present in Blend B yield better protection in thePGE₂ production assay, whereas the oil soluble antioxidants present inBlend A yield better protection in the Percent Cellular Viability assay.

Blend A was also found to provide statistically better protection in thePercent Cellular Viability assay method as compared to Blend C, whereasBlend C was found to be statistically superior for the PGE₂ productionassay. Similarly, although Blend B provides statistically betterprotection than Blend C in the PGE₂ Production assay, it is notstatistically different from Blend C in the Percent Cellular Viabilityassay.

Although there are some statistical differences between the Blend C andblends of its oil or water soluble components, Blend C exhibitssignificant antioxidant activity in comparison to the individualingredients tested previously.

Anyone skilled in the art of formulation will know how to readilyincorporate these blends of antioxidant agents into suitable skin careand colored cosmetic products or into pharmaceutical products.Therefore, this information is intended to cover all possiblecombinations of these antioxidants in product formulations regardless oftype or the market in which they are sold.

TABLE 3 Percent Cellular Viability Resulting from UV Light ExposureAverage Percent Statistically Different from Viability + UV IrradiationOnly Antioxidant System Standard Deviation (Confidence Level)¹ Blend A²49.0 ± 4.1 Yes (95%) Blend B³ 42.0 ± 7.4 Yes (95%) Blend C⁴ 38.2 ± 1.7Yes (95%) ¹The level of statistical confidence is based upon hypothesistesting using a Student t test. ²Blend A is composed of Vitamin Apalmitate and Vitamin E acetate. ³Blend B is composed of beta glucan, DLpanthenol, grape seed extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate andsuperoxide dismutase. ⁴Blend C is a mixture of Blends A and B.

TABLE 4 Production of PGE₂ Resulting from UV Light Exposure Average PGE₂Statistically Different from Production + UV Irradiation OnlyAntioxidant System Standard Deviation (Confidence Level)¹ Blend A² 4380± 545 Yes (95%) Blend B³ 2370 ± 352 Yes (95%) Blend C⁴ 2940 ± 123 Yes(95%) ¹The level of statistical confidence is based upon hypothesistesting using a Student t test. ²Blend A is composed of Vitamin Apalmitate and Vitamin E acetate. ³Blend B is composed of beta glucan, DLpanthenol, grape seed extract, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate andsuperoxide dismutase. ⁴Blend C is a mixture of Blends A and B.

TABLE 5 Statistical Comparison of Percent Cellular Viability Resultingfrom UV Light Exposure UV Irradiation Antioxidant System Blend B³ BlendC⁴ Only⁵ Blend A² NSD⁶ 95% 95% Blend B³ — NSD 95% Blend C⁴ — — 95% ¹Thevalues listed in this table are the statistical confidence level ofdifference based upon hypothesis testing using a Student t test. ²BlendA is composed of Vitamin A Palmitate and Vitamin E acetate. ³Blend B iscomposed of beta glucan, DL panthenol, grape seed extract, magnesiumascorbyl phosphate and superoxide dismutase. ⁴Blend C is a mixture ofBlends A and B ⁵This cell culture was exposed to UV light in the absenceof added antioxidant materials. ⁶NSD is an abbreviation for NotStatistically Different.

TABLE 6 Statistical Comparison of PGE₂ Production Resulting from UVLight Exposure¹ UV Irradiation Antioxidant System Blend B³ Blend C⁴Only⁵ Blend A² 95% 95% 95% Blend B³ — 90% 95% Blend C⁴ — — 95% ¹Thevalues listed in this table are the statistical confidence level ofdifference based upon hypothesis testing using a Student t test. ²BlendA is composed of Vitamin A palmitate and Vitamin E acetate. ³Blend B iscomposed of beta glucan, DL panthenol, grape seed extract, magnesiumascorbyl phosphate and superoxide dismutase. ⁴Blend C is a mixture ofBlends A and B. ⁵This cell culture was exposed to UV light in theabsence of added antioxidant materials.

EXAMPLE 3

The following formulations demonstrate the typical use of the protectiveskin composition of the present invention in skin care and over thecounter (OTC) pharmaceutical products. These formulations are listedonly as examples of the types of compositions that could be used, andare not all encompassing of the possible uses of the technology in skincare and OTC pharmaceutical products. One skilled in the art offormulation will readily envision other possible uses for thistechnology, and the invention is not restricted the use of theformulations listed below. All ingredients of the formulations listedbelow are shown in percentage by weight (% w/w).

EXAMPLE 3

Liquid formulations The following is a general formula for ligandformulations of the composition. Materials General Use Range (Wt %)Purified Water 19.00000-98.71330 Surfactants 0.50-5.00 Witch HazelDistillate  0.01-20.00 Humectant 0.50-5.00 Fragrance 0.01-1.00Preservatives 0.20-3.00 Sequestering Agent 0.01-0.50 Menthol 0.005-1.00 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin E Acetate  0.05-30.00 MagnesiumAscorbyl Phosphate 0.0001-3.00  Beta Glucan 0.005-5.00  SuperoxideDismutase 0.0001-1.00  Grape Seed Extract 0.00001-1.00   Panthenol0.005-5.00  Total 100.00000%

EXAMPLE 4

Skin Toner The following formulation was developed as a toner for theskin. Materials Specific Use Concentration (Wt %) Purified Water 79.4719Surfactants 2.0000 Witch Hazel Distillate 15.0000 Humectant 1.0000Fragrance 0.0350 Preservatives 1.9000 Sequestering Agent 0.1000 Menthol0.0100 Plant Extracts 0.0700 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 Vitamin EAcetate 0.1000 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.1000Superoxide Dismutase 0.0040 Grape Seed Extract 0.0001 Panthenol 0.2000Total 100.0000%

EXAMPLE 5

Oil-in-Water (O/W) Emulsion The following is a general formulation foran oil-in-water emulsion of a composition in accordance with the presentinvention. Materials General Use Range (Wt %) Purified Water 0.0000-97.8173 O/W Emulsifiers  1.00-12.00 Humectants  0.50-15.00Fragrance 0.001-1.00  Preservatives 0.10-3.00 Sequestering Agent0.01-0.50 Emollients  0.50-30.00 Thickeners 0.01-1.00 Vitamin APalmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin E Acetate  0.05-30.00 Magnesium AscorbylPhosphate 0.0001-3.00  Beta Glucan 0.005-5.00  Superoxide Dismutase0.0001-1.00  Grape Seed Extract 0.00001-1.00   Panthenol 0.005-5.00 Total 100.00000%

EXAMPLE 6

Skin Moisturizing lotion The following oil-in-water formulation wasdeveloped as a moisturizing lotion for the skin. Materials Specific UseConcentration (Wt %) Purified Water 79.4719 O/W Emulsifiers 11.0000Humectants 5.0000 Fragrance 0.0500 Preservatives 2.7000 SequesteringAgent 0.1000 Emollients 12.0000 Thickeners 0.3000 Vitamin A Palmitate0.0500 Vitamin E Acetate 1.0000 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.2500 BetaGlucan 1.0000 Superoxide Dismutase 0.0400 Grape Seed Extract 0.0050Panthenol 2.0000 Total 100.0000%

EXAMPLE 7

Water-in-Oil (W/O) Emulsion The following is a general formulation for awater-in-oil emulsion in accordance with the present invention.Materials General Use Range (Wt %) Purified Water  0.0000-97.8173 W/OEmulsifiers  1.00-10.00 Humectants  0.00-10.00 Fragrance 0.00-0.50Preservatives 0.10-7.00 Sequestering Agent 0.01-0.50 Emollients andSunscreen Agents 10.00-60.00 Salt 0.01-1.00 Vitamin A Palmitate0.0005-0.50  Vitamin E Acetate  0.05-30.00 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate0.0001-3.00  Beta Glucan 0.005-5.00  Superoxide Dismutase 0.0001-1.00 Grape Seed Extract 0.00001-1.00   Panthenol 0.005-5.00  Total 100.00000%

EXAMPLE 8

Water-in-Oil Sunscreen Formulation The following formulation wasdeveloped as a waterproof sunscreen product for the skin. MaterialsSpecific Use Concentration (Wt %) Purified Water 61.7865 W/O Emulsifiers6.0000 Preservatives 3.6500 Sequestering Agent 0.1000 Emollients andSunscreens Agents 27.7500 Salt 0.3000 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 VitaminE Acetate 0.1000 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.1000Superoxide Dismutase 0.0040 Grape Seed Extract 0.0005 Panthenol 0.2000Total 100.0000%

EXAMPLE 9

Synthetic (Moisturizing) Soap Bar The following is a general formulationfor a moisturizing soap bar. Materials General Use Range (Wt %) PurifiedWater  0.00-15.00 Detergents and Cleansing Agents 32.0000-97.9573Buffering Agents 1.00-3.00 Humectants and Skin Conditioning Agents0.50-5.00 Fragrance 0.001-1.00  Preservatives 0.01-2.00 Thickeners andColoring Agents  0.01-30.00 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin EAcetate  0.05-30.00 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0001-3.00  BetaGlucan 0.005-5.00  Superoxide Dismutase 0.0001-1.00  Grape Seed Extract0.00001-1.00   Panthenol 0.005-5.00  Total 100.00000%

EXAMPLE 10

Moisturizing Soap Bar The following formulation was developed as amoisturizing soap bar for sensitive facial skin. Materials Specific UseConcentration (Wt %) Purified Water 9.3400 Detergents and CleansingAgents 48.2000 Buffering Agents 2.4800 Humectants and Skin Conditioning13.0870 Agents Fragrance 0.2400 Preservatives 0.0900 Thickeners andColorants 25.6600 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 Vitamin E Acetate 0.4900Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.0100 SuperoxideDismutase 0.0040 Grape Seed Extract 0.1950 Panthenol 0.1910 Total100.0000%

Possible surfactants include polyoxyethylene sorbitan esters of fattyorganic acids (such as laureate, palmitate, stearate, oleate andmyristate) containing various molar concentrations of ethylene oxide(commonly listed as polysorbate 20, 21, 40, 60, 61, 65, 80, 81 and 85)as well as combinations of these ingredients.

Possible humectants include sugars (such as sorbitol, glucose, etc.),glycerin (and its polymers), glycols (such as propylene glycol, butyleneglycol, and polyethylene glycols of various molecular weights);hyaluronic acid (and its salts), pyrrolidone carboxylic acid (and itssalts) as well as combinations of these ingredients.

Possible preservatives include the parabens (such as the methyl, ethyl,propyl, isopropyl, butyl and isobutyl esters), imidazolidinyl urea,diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, phenylethyl alcohol, benzyl alcohol,phenoxyethanol, chlorphenesin, chlorhexidine digluconate as well ascombinations of these ingredients.

Possible sequestering agents include the various salts ofethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (sodium, potassium, amine and aminoacid salts).

Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate is a stabilized form of Vitamin C.

Stabilized forms of Vitamin A can be used in the preferred embodiment ofthe invention, such as the alcohol retinol or any of its esters. Otherforms (such as Retin A) could also be used, but are less stable. VitaminE is preferably used in its alcohol form (tocopherol), or any of itsesters, or other stabilized forms.

Possible O/W surfactants include the salts of fatty acids (such assodium, potassium, amine or amino acid salts of stearic, myristic,oleic, lauric or palmitic acid), non-ionic surfactants such as thepolysorbates listed above, sorbitan esters of fatty acids (such asstearates, myristates, oleates, laureates, and palmitates), glycerylesters of fatty acids (stearate, myristate, oleate, laureate andpalmitate), polyoxyethylene esters of lanolin acids, alcohols and otherwool wax components, polyoxyethylene ethers of fatty alcohols (such aslauryl, cetyl, oleyl and stearyl), polyethylene glycol esters of fattyacids (such as laureate, stearate, myristate, oleate, and palmitate),homo- and mixed block polymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene,polyoxypropylene esters of fatty acids, polyoxypropylene ethers of fattyalcohols, sugar esters of fatty acids (such as the fatty acid esters ofglucose and sucrose) and quaternary amine salts of fatty acids as wellas combinations of these ingredients chosen to yield an oil-in-wateremulsion.

Possible emollients include esters of fatty acids and fatty alcohols(such as octyl palmitate, octyl stearate, cetearyl stearate, etc.),silicone compounds (such as dimethicone, cyclomethicone,phenyltrimethicone, etc.), esters of organic acids and organic alcohols(C12-15 alkyl benzoate, octyl dodecanol, cetyl lactate, tridecyltrimellitate, octyldodecyl neopentanoate, etc.), fatty alcohols (cetylalcohol, stearyl alcohol, etc.), castor oils, fractions of castor oilsand their hydrogenated derivatives as well as combinations of thesetypes of ingredients.

Possible thickeners include acrylic acid polymers and their crosspolymer derivatives, polyvinylpyrrolidone polymers, natural polymers(such as locus bean gum, xanthan gum, alginic acid and its salts,dextran, etc.), clays (hectorite, montmorillonite, etc.) as well ascombinations of these ingredients.

Possible water-in-oil (W/O) emulsifiers include the appropriatecombinations of the oil-in-water emulsifiers listed above as well ascetyl dimethicone copolyols and other various other dimethiconecopolyols in addition to combinations of these ingredients.

Possible emollients and sunscreens include the emollients listed above,as well as any approved sunscreen agents such as dioxybenzone,homomenthyl salicylate, menthyl anthranilate, octocrylene, octylmethoxycinnamate, octyl paraaminobenzoate, octyl salicylate, oxybenzone,and trolamine salicylate, as well as combinations of these ingredients.

Possible salts include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithiumchloride and magnesium chloride or combinations of these ingredients.

Possible detergents and cleansing agents include the salts of cocylisethionate, isostearoyl lactylate salts (such as the sodium andpotassium salts), tallow and tallow salts (such as sodium, potassium andammonium salts), salts of lauryl and laureth sulfates (such as sodium,potassium and ammonium salts), betaines and sultaines (such ascocamidopropyl betaine or sultaine) and salts of fatty acids (such assodium or potassium laureate, myristate, palmitate, stearate, oleate,behenate, linoleate and ricinoleate) as well as combinations of theseingredients.

Possible buffering agents include all conventional buffering systems usein chemistry but especially lactic acid combined with a salt of lacticacid (such as sodium lactate) in appropriate ratios to maintain a givenpH value.

Possible humectants and skin conditioning agents include the humectantslisted above, salts of isostearoyl lactylate (such as sodium orpotassium), quaternium compounds (such as stearamidopropyldimethylamine) and oat by-products (such as oat flour) as well ascombinations of these ingredients.

Possible thickeners and colorants include those thickeners listed above(see footnote 8) and colorants such as titanium dioxide, iron oxides,FD&C and D&C colorants, ultramarine blue, carmine, annatto, chlorophylland other natural or artificial colorants as well as combinations ofthese ingredients.

The present invention takes advantage of the surprising superiorityfound when combining two skin agents that protect the skin fromultraviolet radiation, one agent from a class of protectants thatincreases cellular viability, and the other from a class that decreasesthe production of PGE₂ in the skin, as measured by the assays ofExample 1. The compositions of the invention can be applied to skin bothbefore or after exposure to ultraviolet radiation, to provide theprotective effect, however application before exposure to the sun ispreferred. Daily applications of the skin protectant may be used, evenif exposure to the sun is not anticipated, to diminish the aging effectsof ROS in the skin.

As used in this specification, reducing damage caused by exposure toultraviolet radiation means reducing damage as measured by the assays ofExample 1 (increased epidermal cellular viability) or Example 2 (reducedPGE₂ production by epidermal cells). Ultraviolet radiation refers toelectromagnetic radiation having a wavelength shorter than thewavelengths of visible light and longer than those of x-rays. Skininjury refers to cellular damage as measured by decreased cellularviability or increased PGE₂ production, or both. An antioxidant is asubstance that opposes the effects of ROS, either by scavenging orreducing ROS, or interfering with the production of ROS.

In view of the many possible embodiments to which the principles of myinvention may be applied, it should be recognized that the illustratedembodiments are only specific examples of the invention and should notbe taken as a limitation on the scope of the invention. Rather, thescope of the invention is defined by the following claims. I thereforeclaim as my invention all that comes within the scope and spirit ofthese claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A topical composition for reducing skin damageinduced by ultraviolet radiation, the composition comprising: betaglucan and grape seed extract in a sufficient amount to reduce the skindamage when the beta glucan and grape seed extract is applied topically;and at least one other skin protectant that reduces the skin damagecaused by ultraviolet light.
 2. The topical composition of claim 1,wherein the composition comprises panthenol, grape seed extract, betaglucan, Vitamin C and superoxide dismutase in a sufficient amount toreduce production of PGE₂, or increase cellular viability, in the skinwhen applied topically.
 3. The composition of claim 2, wherein thecomposition further comprises an antioxidant selected from the groupconsisting of one or both of Vitamin A and Vitamin E in a sufficientamount to reduce reactive oxygen species in the skin when appliedtopically.
 4. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein thecomposition comprises about: 0.005-5% beta glucan, 0.005-5% panthenol,0.00001-1% grape seed extract, 0.0001-3% Vitamin C, and 0.0001-1%superoxide dismutase.
 5. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein thecomposition comprises about: 0.0005-0.5000% Vitamin A and 0.0500-30%Vitamin E.
 6. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein thecomposition further comprises at least about 0.0005% Vitamin A, and atleast about 0.01% Vitamin E.
 7. The topical composition of claim 4,wherein the Vitamin C is in the form of magnesium ascorbyl phosphate. 8.The topical composition of claim 5, wherein the Vitamin A is in the formof Vitamin A palmitate and the Vitamin E is in the form of Vitamin Eacetate.
 9. The topical composition of claim 2, wherein the other skinprotectant is a protectant that improves cellular viability followingexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
 10. A topical composition forprotecting skin against damage from ultraviolet radiation, comprising:beta glucan, panthenol, grape seed extract, Vitamin C and superoxidedismutase in a sufficient amount to improve cellular viability andreduce the production of PGE₂ in the skin to which the composition isapplied, after the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
 11. Thetopical composition of claim 10, further comprising Vitamin A andVitamin E in sufficient amounts to have an antioxidant effect on theskin when topically applied.
 12. A composition for protecting skinagainst damage from ultraviolet radiation, comprising by weight at leastabout: 0.005% beta glucan; 0.005% panthenol; 0.00001% grape seedextract; 0.0001% Vitamin C; and 0.0001% superoxide dismutase.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 12, wherein the composition comprises by weightabout: 0.005-5% beta glucan; 0.005-5% panthenol; 0.00001-1% grape seedextract; 0.0001-3% Vitamin C; and 0.0001-1% superoxide dismutase. 14.The composition of claim 12, further comprising by weight at least about0.0005% Vitamin A, and at least 0.05% Vitamin E.
 15. The composition ofclaim 13, further comprising by weight about: 0.0005-0.5000% Vitamin A;and 0.0100-30% Vitamin E.
 16. The composition of claim 1, in an aqueousor non-aqueous solution, suspension, a water-in-oil or oil-in-wateremulsion.
 17. The composition of claim 1 in a skin toner composition, amoisturizing lotion, a sunscreen composition, a skin cleanser or otherskin treatment composition.
 18. A topical antioxidant compositioncomprising a sufficient amount of grape seed extract and beta glucan,wherein topical administration of said composition to epidermisincreases cellular viability of epidermal cells, and decreases theproduction of PGE₂ in the epidermal cells, following exposure of thecells to ultraviolet radiation.
 19. A composition comprising about: (a)Percent by weight Purified Water 19.00000-98.71330 Surfactants 0.50-5  Witch Hazel Distillate 0.01-20   Humectant 0.50-5   Fragrance 0.001-1   Preservatives 0.20-3   Sequestering Agent 0.01-0.50 Menthol 0.005-1   Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin B Acetate 0.05-30   MagnesiumAscorbyl Phosphate 0.0001-3    Beta Glucan 0.005-5    SuperoxideDismutase 0.0001-1    Grape Seed Extract 0.00001-1     Panthenol0.005-5    Total 100.00000%

or (b) Percent by weight Purified Water  0.0000-97.8173 O/W Emulsifiers1.00-12   Humectants 0.50-15   Fragrance 0.001-1    Preservatives0.10-3   Sequestering Agent 0.01-0.50 Emollients 0.50-30   Thickeners0.01-1   Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin E Acetate 0.05-30  Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0001-3    Beta Glucan 0.005-5   Superoxide Dismutase 0.0001-1    Grape Seed Extract 0.001-1    Panthenol0.005-5    Total 100.00000%

or (c) Percent by weight Purified Water  0.0000-97.8173 W/O Emulsifiers1.00-10   Humectants 0.00-10   Fragrance 0.00-0.50 Preservatives0.10-7   Sequestering Agent 0.01-0.50 Emollients and Sunscreen Agents10.00-60   Salt 0.01-1   Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0005-0.50  Vitamin EAcetate 0.01-30   Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0001-3    Beta Glucan0.005-5    Superoxide Dismutase 0.0001-1    Grape Seed Extract0.001-1    Panthenol 0.005-5    Total 100.00000%

or (d) Percent by weight Purified Water 0.00-15   Detergents andCleansing Agents 32.0000-97.9573 Buffering Agents 1.00-3   Humectantsand Skin Conditioning Agents 0.50-5   Fragrance 0.001-1    Preservatives0.01-2   Thickeners and Coloring Agents 0.01-30   Vitamin A Palmitate0.0005-0.50  Vitamin E Acetate 0.01-30   Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate0.0001-3    Beta Glucan 0.005-5    Superoxide Dismutase 0.0001-1   Grape Seed Extract 0.001-1    Panthenol 0.005-5    Total 100.00000%

or (e) Percent by Weight Purified Water 9.3400 Detergents and CleansingAgents 48.2000 Buffering Agents 2.4800 Humectants and Skin ConditioningAgents 13.0870 Fragrance 0.2400 Preservatives 0.0900 Thickeners andColorants 25.6600 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 Vitamin E Acetate 0.4900Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.0100 SuperoxideDismutase 0.0040 Grape Seed Extract 0.1950 Panthenol 0.1950 Total100.0000%

or (f) Percent by weight Purified Water 79.4719 O/W Emulsifiers 11.0000Humectants 5.0000 Fragrance 0.0500 Preservatives 2.7000 SequesteringAgent 0.1000 Emollients 12.0000 Thickeners 0.3000 Vitamin A Palmitate0.0500 Vitamin E Acetate 1.0000 Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.2500 BetaGlucan 1.0000 Superoxide Dismutase 0.0400 Grape Seed Extract 0.0050Panthenol 2.0000 Total 100.0000%

or (g) Percent by weight Purified Water 79.4719 Surfactants 2.0000 WitchHazel Distillate 15.0000 Humectant 1.0000 Fragrance 0.0350 Preservatives1.9000 Sequestering Agent 0.1000 Menthol 0.0100 Plant Extracts 0.0700Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 Vitamin E Acetate 0.1000 Magnesium AscorbylPhosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.1000 Superoxide Dismutase 0.0040 GrapeSeed Extract 0.0001 Panthenol 0.2000 Total 100.0000%


20. A sunscreen product for the skin, comprising about: Percent byweight Purified Water 61.7865 W/O Emulsifiers 6.0000 Preservatives3.6500 Sequestering Agent 0.1000 Emollients and Sunscreens Agents27.7500 Salt 0.3000 Vitamin A Palmitate 0.0050 Vitamin E Acetate 0.1000Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate 0.0040 Beta Glucan 0.1000 SuperoxideDismutase 0.0040 Grape Seed Extract 0.0005 Panthenol 0.2000 Total100.0000%